Cambodia

Destinations

Cambodia (Kingdom of Wonder)

Your private Cambodia tours will take you into the realm of gods, where elaborate temples emerge from a latticework of jungle vines and trees. There are few destinations in the world where you will get the feeling of having stepped back in time.

One of these incredible destinations bears the signature of ancient Khmer genius – the Angkor temples of Cambodia.

Enigmatic, stimulating and sometimes baffling, Cambodia also invites you to enjoy the tranquility of endless paddy fields, to share the serenity found in the eyes of a young monk, or to savor unforgettable fragrances and flavors. There are also the tucked away beaches to unwind on afterward.

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History of Cambodia

Cambodia has had a fascinating and diverse past, from the Stone Age of hunters and gatherers, up until to the modern day.

Cambodia was for centuries divided into rival states before King Jayavarman II founded the Khmer Empire. As a nation of animists, the integration of Hinduism and Buddhism was introduced easily in the 9th century and coexisted with the traditional belief that spirits inhabited the earth.

During the golden age of the empire that existed until the 13th century, great temple complexes were built with regal and fine carvings, including the notable Angkor Wat.

During the 16th century, Cambodia was conquered by the Thai, destroying the capital city, Phonm Penh, at which time European missionaries also arrived. By the 19th century, Cambodia was under the protectorate of France. Cambodia became its own independent kingdom under Norodom Sihanouk in 1953.

When the Vietnam War crossed into the border of Cambodia in the mid-1970s, the communist and brutal agrarian regime of the Khmer Rouge was born. This led to what is considered one of the worst genocides in modern history that today is remembered by the mass graves known as the Killing Fields, which you can visit on a private Cambodia tour.

The civil war ended when the Khmer Rouge were successfully removed by Vietnamese troops and the People’s Republic of Kampuchea was formed. Today, despite a heavy-hearted legacy, Cambodia is ever optimistic about its future, and Cambodia tourism is playing a positive role in boosting an emerging economy.

Culture of Cambodia

During your private Cambodia tours, you will notice that the culture and tradition are steeped in its history. You can expect a fusion of local traditions with the practising Buddhism and Hinduism.

Top Cambodia Travel Tips – Culture:

Regardless of gender, when meeting someone for the first time, press your palms together in front the of the chest, smile politely and, as you bow, say Chumreap Suor. The lower the bow, the more respect you are giving. When addressing someone, you can use the title Lok for a man and Lok Srey for a woman before their name.

Choice of transportation in Cambodia is still quite limited. Cars that are available for usage are typically Toyota or Hyundai models from the late 1990s. While being old, these cars thankfully have air-conditioning for your comfort. Wearing a seatbelt in Cambodia is still not common practice – be aware that the vehicles in which you travel won’t be fitted with seat belts in accordance with current convention.

During your Cambodia tour, if you are giving a gift, avoid white gift wrapping paper and always present gifts with both hands. Note that Cambodians generally do not celebrate birthdays.

If you take out the local currency, Riel, note that you cannot convert it back to your own currency. With this in mind, limit how much cash you get exchanged.

Cambodian Cuisine

The cuisine of Cambodia has a wonderfully fresh approach and it has been influenced by the French during colonisation, from Chinese immigrants, as well as its neighbouring countries, Thailand and Vietnam. On your Cambodia tours, you can also expect Japanese and European cuisine in coastal towns, such as Sihanoukville, located in the southwest of the country. Naturally, the coast is renowned for its seafood.

Why not try a few typical Khmer dishes?

Fish amok: steamed coconut fish in banana leaves

Amok chouk: snails with curry steamed in their shell

Samlor machu trey: sweet and sour soup with fish

Char kroeung sach ko: stir-fried lemongrass beef

Nom banh chok: Khmer noodles

Bai sach chrouk: grilled pork and broken rice

Lok lak: stir-fried beef in brown sauce

Top Cambodia Travel Tips – Cuisine:

A typical Cambodian meal usually consists of soup, salad, a main fish dish, vegetables and rice. Meals are often completed with fresh fruits and delicious sticky rice.